Natural Flood Management Data; the science behind the projects
Data and evidence play a huge role in our work here at Ribble Rivers Trust. If you’ve been following our river conservation efforts, you’ll likely have heard us talk about the importance of collecting and analysing data. But have you ever wondered what this data collection actually looks like?
Earlier this year, Ribble Rivers Trust launched a new project aimed at tackling flooding in three Lancashire towns through community-led natural flood management. The Community Catchments initiative will work closely with residents, businesses, and landowners in Wrea Green, Darwen, and Clitheroe, with the goal of empowering communities to address flood risks head-on, with a little help from us, of course!
How Are You Collecting natural flood management data?
Although this project is still partially in its development phase, our Data and Evidence team has been working tirelessly to gather as much information about our rivers as possible. This monitoring project has the potential to collect several years’ worth of Natural Flood Management Data- a rare opportunity due to limited funding availability for long-term, in-depth monitoring. If the next stage of funding is approved, we hope to collect data up until 2027. This will allow us to gather comprehensive “before and after” data, helping to assess the impact of each project on flood risk reduction in vulnerable communities.
Plus, in addition to being able to monitor the impact the NFM features have on reducing the risk of flooding in at-risk communities, the monitoring will also help us to scrutinise and refine our NFM approaches to ensure that we’re consistently striving to deliver the best interventions possible.
So far, we have already installed: 43 water level loggers, 7 air pressure loggers, 3 rain gauges, and 22 time-lapse cameras.
All of this equipment has been strategically positioned using a custom-designed wooden framework to ensure that everything functions consistently across all sites. As you can imagine, some of the monitoring stations are in remote, hard-to-reach areas. From the wilds of Darwen Moor to the wetlands and bogs in the lower catchment, transporting materials and tools has been quite a logistical challenge! Thankfully, the wider Ribble Rivers Trust team have pulled together to provide the people power needed to transport and set up this equipment in sensitive spaces.
Tell Me More About Room for Rivers: Community Catchments
The project focuses on three key areas: Wrea Green, Darwen, and Clitheroe, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities. Like many Lancashire communities, these towns have long histories of flooding, but due to numerous factors, traditional flood defences are not viable. Ribble Rivers Trust is working alongside these communities to identify and implement natural flood management strategies tailored to local conditions. Local community groups are at the heart of this effort, collaborating with us to design and deliver customized solutions.
The scope of the project is extensive, including the creation of new wetlands, woodlands, leaky dams, and in-river habitats, as well as peat restoration. These efforts will not only slow water flow and reduce flood risk but will also enhance biodiversity across the catchment. Thanks to our extensive Natural Flood Management Data, we can strategically target interventions for maximum impact.
Is This Work Benefiting Wildlife?
As with all Ribble Rivers Trust projects, Community Catchments is designed to deliver significant benefits for local wildlife. The initiative will improve habitats crucial for species like the European eel, Atlantic salmon, and brown trout. These species depend on healthy, dynamic river systems to thrive but face increasing threats from climate change and human activity.
Heavy rains and flooding, which are becoming more frequent in Lancashire, currently endanger these species—particularly during their juvenile stages—by rapidly raising river levels and washing young fish away. Sadly, climate change is expected to exacerbate this problem.
By restoring natural processes and creating new habitats, the Trust’s work will help safeguard these species for future generations. Additionally, the project’s community-driven approach ensures that local people play a direct role in protecting the unique wildlife in their areas.
The Community Catchments project is more than just a flood management initiative; it’s a partnership between Ribble Rivers Trust and Lancashire communities affected by flooding. Together, they are creating a more resilient landscape that benefits both people and wildlife, highlighting the power of community-led conservation.
Can I do anything to help?
As we mentioned, finding the funding for long term data collection like this can be pretty tricky! However, it’s vital for helping us prove that our work is benefiting rivers, wildlife, and people. Without this work, we wouldn’t be able to demonstrate our successes, which means we’ll struggle to fund similar projects and share our methods with others.
Thankfully, our super supporters help to fund work like this. The good news is, you can join them from just £3.00 a month. It’s really easy, and we can guarantee that all the money you donate goes straight back into improving local rivers!
You can help yourself by being flood aware! it’s easy to assume that you’re not at risk, just because you don’t live near a river. However, a significant percentage of floods happen when rainwater and surface water gathers in lower ground or sites with poor drainage. So, don’t take a chance, check your areas flood risk, and learn what to do in a flood event, by visiting The Flood Hub.
